Nephi, Utah (IOCC)  The five cyclists of the "Race to Respond" rode past Starvation State Park and Helper, Utah, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, reminders of how International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) helps people fight hunger and other problems.

The cyclists began Day 19 of the 25-day ride in Roosevelt, Utah, and rode an estimated 134 miles to Nephi, Utah. Along the way, they struggled with high winds and some steep climbs.

The cyclists said they were inspired by the magnificent scenery of central Utah  Bad Land Cliffs, Uinta and Ashley National forests and Price Canyon. The latter was more challenging than Colorado's Trail Ridge Road, according to the cyclists.

At midday, the cyclists stopped in Helper, Utah, to await a police escort to an event at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Price, Utah. The Very Rev. Athanasios Emmert, parish pastor, and parishioners greeted the cyclists enthusiastically and served a lunch of delicious Greek foods.

Assumption Church is the oldest Greek Orthodox church in continuous use west of the Mississippi River, Fr. Athanasios said. The church was built in 1916 by Greek immigrants who came to Carbon County to work as miners and sheep ranchers.

After lunch and a short program, parish council President Penny Sampinos presented a check to lead cyclist Jim Angelus. "Thank you for including us in your journey across America. We're so excited about being able to host you," Ms. Sampinos said.

"We look at this as a beginning," Angelus said. "The end of August is not the end of the 'Race to Respond.' "

Fr. Athanasios then led a brief prayer service for the cyclists and support team. He read from 1 John 3:17-18, which reads, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or talk, but with action and in truth."

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the cyclists will cross into the Pacific Time Zone and Nevada.

The cyclists are volunteers who are riding to raise awareness and support for the peopled served by IOCC worldwide. The goal of the benefit ride is to raise $250,000 for the humanitarian work of IOCC. To donate, visit www.racetorespond.org or call toll-free 877-803-4622.

The "Race to Respond" is presented by Advantage Plus Inc., maker of the 10 Plus nutritional supplement drink.